Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0, dropping the Gunners nine points behind in the Premier League and out of title contention. Arsene Wenger can whine about time of possession and cynical tactics, but Chelsea were, comprehensively, the better team. Barring a Champions League miracle, it will be a fifth trophy-less season. The time for disillusionment at Arsenal is now.
Fabio Capello isn’t one for distractions. According to Sky News, John Terry has been relieved of his England captaincy, after it emerged he had an affair with teammate Wayne Bridge’s then girlfriend. Rumored replacements are Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand. Wayne Rooney could be a dark horse.
This is Candice Swanepoel who is attractive enough to have been featured twice this season in the Pigsplosion. And really, isn’t that how all women judge their worth? For posterity, here’s another shot. Just like yesterday I’ll be here this morning and Duffy will take over as the darkness approaches.
Oh, and if you guys are posting comments that aren’t showing up, send me an e-mail and I’ll try and get it unstuck…
If the Giants don’t start Osi Umenyiora, he’s going to quit. (New York Post)
Only in Canada – a restaurant promotes patrons having sex in their bathroom. (The Star)
Former U.S.M.N.T. coach Steve Sampson confirmed what had been speculated. He dropped “Captain for Life” (and current ESPN analyst) John Harkes before the 1998 World Cup because he had an affair with Eric Wynalda’s wife. The U.S. lost all three group matches, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams at the tournament.
Racially Motivated? U.S. and Rangers midfielder DaMarcus Beasley’s BMW was set on fire outside his home in Glasgow. Beasley tweeted that the car was “blown up.” Scottish police are treating it as “willful fire raising.” No one was hurt. Teammate Maurice Edu was racially abused by Rangers fans last October. (The Guardian)(10)
Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 in North London, dropping the Gunners a potential eight points behind Chelsea in the Premier League. Arsenal have lost all three matches against Chelsea and Man U this season, by a combined score of 8-2 (6-1 at home). A funeral service for their title challenge will be held next Sunday.
MLS and its Players Union resumed negotiations yesterday on a new collective bargaining agreement. The current deal expires Jan 31. Without a new one, MLS could lock out the players starting Feb 1. An extended work stoppage could be disastrous for the league and potentially for the U.S. World Cup squad. Since they have little leverage, expect the players to cave. UPDATE: MLS and the Players Union have extended the deadline for negotiations through Feb 12. Players will report to training camp as scheduled.
Landon Donovan scored a goal in Europe, and quite a nice one. It was a great run with perfect anticipation, a solid control with his chest and a composed finish. May this be the first of many. He now has a decision to make.
Manchester United captain and serial antagonist Gary Neville has a sinister appearance. He now has the home to match. The environmentally conscious footballer is building a $12.75 million green, space-agey underground home, resembling either the Teletubbies set or the lair of a Roger Moore-era Bond villain. Using wind turbines for power and the ground for heating, the house will be off the electrical grid. Presumably, it will offset the carbon footprint of his current dwelling, a $9.7 million 12-bedroom monstrosity with a private golf course, a movie theater, a pool, stables and a gym. This will be the first entirely underground dwelling on record that isn’t a sex dungeon or a secret laboratory. Other interesting Neville facts: He was David Beckham’s best man, his father/agent’s name is Neville Neville. (Mirror Football, Manchester Evening News)
Future U.S. opponent Algeria, eliminated tournament favorites Ivory Coast from the African Nations Cup, winning 3-2 in extra time. The Algerians came from behind twice, took an early lead in the extra period and held on as a Kolo Toure equalizer was ruled offside. The win comes just months after Algeria won another tough match, their World Cup playoff with defending African champions Egypt, just days after their bus was attacked.
Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0, dropping the Gunners nine points behind in the Premier League and out of title contention. Arsene Wenger can whine about time of possession and cynical tactics, but Chelsea were, comprehensively, the better team. Barring a Champions League miracle, it will be a fifth trophy-less season. The time for disillusionment at Arsenal is now.
